Notice2021-20326
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Incorporate BX Options 4 Rules By Reference to Nasdaq ISE, LLC Options 4 Rules
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Published
September 21, 2021
Issuing agencies
Securities and Exchange Commission
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 180 (Tuesday, September 21, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 21, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52511-52513]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20326]
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-92987; File No. SR-BX-2021-038]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Incorporate BX
Options 4 Rules By Reference to Nasdaq ISE, LLC Options 4 Rules
September 15, 2021.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that
on September 3, 2021, Nasdaq BX, Inc. (``BX'' or ``Exchange'') filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'')
the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III, below,
which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is
publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change
from interested persons.
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\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to incorporate the BX Options 4 Rules by
reference to Nasdaq ISE, LLC (``ISE'') Options 4 Rules.
The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's
website at <a href="https://listingcenter.nasdaq.com/rulebook/bx/rules">https://listingcenter.nasdaq.com/rulebook/bx/rules</a>, at the
principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission's Public
Reference Room.
II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in
sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such
statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
1. Purpose
The BX Options 4 Listing Rules provide for the options that may be
listed and traded on BX. The Exchange proposes to incorporate the BX
Options 4 Rules by reference to Nasdaq ISE, LLC (``ISE'') Options 4
Rules.
Currently, the BX Options 4 Rules are very similar to the ISE
Options 4 Rules. The differences between the BX and ISE Options 4 Rules
are non-substantive technical differences.\3\ Other changes are non-
substantive word choice differences.\4\ Finally, certain rules utilize
the phrase ``this Rule'' instead of a citation.\5\ Of note, BX Options
4, Section 3(h) does not list reverse repurchase agreements in the
defined term ``Financial Instruments''. The Exchange proposes to
include ``reverse repurchase agreements'' within the list of securities
deemed appropriate for options trading on BX in order that the Exchange
may list the same products as ISE may list today. Also, BX Options 4,
Section 8(a) should include the words ``and continuity.'' BX's
continuity rules utilize the LEAP term. ISE has this rule text within
its Options 4, Section 8(a).
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\3\ BX Options 4, Section 2 has an extra ``as''. BX Options 4,
Section 3(a)(1) contains a ``The'' instead of ``the.'' BX Options 4,
Section 3(b) uses the term foregoing'' as compared to ``forgoing''
on ISE. BX Options 4, Section 3(h) defines the term ``NMS stock''
whereas ISE defines the term ``NMS.'' BX Options 4, Section
3(k)(1)(B) has an extra ``this.'' The term ``such'' within BX
Options 4, Section 4(f)(5) is lowercase. BX Options 4, Section 5(a)
has an extra ``by the Exchange.'' BX Options 4, Section 5(b) has a
``the'' and ISE Options 4, Section 5(b) has a ``that.'' Options 4,
Section 5(e) has a lowercase ``rule'' and unlike the same rule in
ISE does not have the registered trademarks. BX Supplementary .01(a)
to Options 4, Section 5 uses ``$50'' instead of ``$50.00,'' has the
term ``option'' instead of ``options,'' spells out ``one hundred
fifty'' and incorrectly uses the term ``LEAPS'' instead of
``LEAPs.'' BX Supplementary .01(b) to Options 4, Section 5 has the
terms ``security'' instead of ``stock'' and ``the'' instead of
``its.'' BX Supplementary .01(d) to Options 4, Section 5 uses the
term ``Strike Program'' instead of ``Strike Price Program;'' uses an
extra ``the''; and phrases the last paragraph as, ``Notwithstanding
the above delisting policy, the Exchange may grant member requests
to add strikes and/or maintain strikes in series of options classes
traded pursuant to the $1 Strike Program that are eligible for
delisting.'' The last paragraph of ISE Supplementary .01(d) to
Options 4, Section 5 states, ``Notwithstanding the above delisting
policy, Member requests to add strikes and/or maintain strikes in
series of options classes traded pursuant to the $1 Strike Price
Interval Program that are eligible for delisting may be granted.''
These differences are non-substantive. BX Supplementary .02(d) to
Options 4, Section 5 has the term ``section'' instead of ``Rule.''
BX Supplementary .03(e) to Options 4, Section 5 has rule in
lowercase. BX Options 4, Section 6(a) uses a different phrase than
ISE Options 4, Section 6(a), ``Select provisions of the OLPP''
versus ``The provisions set forth in this Rule.'' This
aforementioned difference is non-substantive. BX Options 4, Section
6(b)(3) uses the term ``options'' instead of ``option.'' BX Options
4, Section 6(b)(ii)(1) uses the term ``options'' instead of
``option,'' the term ``Strike Program'' instead of ``Strike Price
Interval Program'' and, ``rules'' instead of ``Rules.'' BX Options
4, Section 9 uses the term ``Fund Shares'' instead of ``Exchange-
Traded Fund Shares.''
\4\ BX Options 4, Section 4(b)(5) should cite to ``Options 4,
Section 3(c)'' instead of ``Options 4, Section 3.'' In addition, BX
Options 4, Section 4(b)(5) has two stray commas. BX Options 4,
Section 4(f) has an extra ``in''. BX Options 4, Section 4(g)(2) has
an extra ``of Options 4'' and two stray commas. BX Options 4,
Section 5(d) incorrectly cites to Section 3(i) instead of Section
3(h). BX Options 4, Section 6(b) incorrectly cites to Section 3(i)
instead of Section 3(h). BX Options 4, Section 6(b)(i) incorrectly
cites to Supplementary Material .03(d) instead of Supplementary
Material .02(d). This paragraph also uses the term ``options''
instead of ``option.'' Options 3, Section 6(b)(ii) incorrectly cites
to subparagraph (a) instead of subparagraph (i).
\5\ See BX Options 4, Section 3(c)(2). BX utilizes citations to
Options 4, Section 3(b)(1) and Options 4, Section 3(b)(2) instead of
simply citing to ``this Rules'' as is the case with ISE Options 4,
Section 3(c)(2). Other examples include BX Options 4, Section
3(c)(3) which cites to Options 4, Section 3(b)(4), BX Options 4,
Section 3(c)(4)(B)(ii) which cites to Options 4, Section 3(b)(5)(i).
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The Exchange proposes to incorporate by reference the BX Options 4
Rules to ISE Options 4 Rules. To that end, BX proposes to replace the
current BX Options 4 Rules with the following rule text:
The rules contained in Nasdaq ISE Options 4, as such rules may
be in effect from time to time (the ``Options 4 Rules''), are hereby
incorporated by reference into this BX Options 4, and are thus BX
Rules and thereby applicable to BX Participants and associated
persons. BX Participants shall comply with the Options 4 Rules as
though such rules were fully set forth herein. All defined terms,
including any variations thereof, contained in the Options 4 Rules
shall be read to refer to the BX related meaning of such term.
Solely by way of example, and not in limitation or in exhaustion:
The defined term ``Exchange'' in the Options 4 Rules shall be read
to refer to BX; the defined term ``Rule'' in the Options 4 Rules
shall be read to refer to the BX Rule; the defined terms
``Competitive Market Maker'' and ``Market
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Maker'' in the Options 4 Rules shall be read to refer to the BX
Market Maker; the defined term ``Primary Market Maker'' in the
Options 4 Rules shall be read to refer to the BX Lead Market Maker;
and the defined terms ``Electronic Access Member,'' ``EAM,'' or
``Member'' in the Options 4 Rules shall be read to refer to the BX
Participant.
This rule text will account for differences that may exist in the usage
of terms as between BX and ISE. The proposed rule text list instances
in which cross references in the ISE Options 4 Rules to BX Options 4
Rules shall be read to refer instead to the Exchange Rules, and
references to ISE terms (whether or not defined) shall be read to refer
to the Exchange-related meanings of those terms. For instance,
references to defined terms ``Exchange'' or ``ISE'' shall be read to
refer to ISE.
The Exchange proposes to delete in their entirety the BX Options 4
Rules and incorporate by reference the ISE Options 4 Rules.\6\ Today,
the rules of Nasdaq GEMX, LLC and Nasdaq MRX, LLC are incorporated by
reference to the rules of ISE. The Exchange will also separately file
to incorporate the Options 4 Rules of The Nasdaq Options Market LLC and
Nasdaq Phlx LLC to the ISE Options 4 Rules, respectively, to ISE. The
Exchange believes that harmonizing the Options 4 Rules across its 6
Nasdaq Affiliated Options Exchanges will assist the Exchange in listing
options across its affiliated markets. Also, incorporating by reference
the ISE Options 4 Rules into the Exchange's rulebook will organize
those listing rules in a more logical order, thereby eliminating
unnecessary complexity in the listing process and otherwise
streamlining the Exchange's existing listing rules and their associated
procedures.
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\6\ The Exchange will separately request an exemption from the
rule filing requirements of Section 19(b) of the Act for changes to
BX Options 4 Rules to the extent such rules are affected solely by
virtue of a change to ISE Options 4 Rules. The Exchange's proposed
rule change will not become effective unless and until the
Commission grants this exemption request.
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2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section
6(b) of the Act,\7\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section
6(b)(5) of the Act,\8\ in particular, in that it is designed to promote
just and equitable principles of trade and to protect investors and the
public interest. The Exchange believes that its proposal to delete its
existing listing rules and incorporate by reference the ISE Options 4
Rules will promote a free and open market, and will benefit investors,
the public, and the markets, because the new rules will be clearer,
better organized, and simpler. Also, the proposal is just and equitable
because it will render the Exchange's listing rules easier for
Participants to read and understand.
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\7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will
impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange does not expect
that its proposed changes to incorporate BX's Options 4 Rules to ISE's
Options 4 Rules will have any competitive impact on BX's listing rules,
to the contrary, the Exchange hopes that by clarifying, reorganizing,
and streamlining its listing rules, the Exchange's listing process will
be clear. The proposed changes will apply equally to all market
participants.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others
No written comments were either solicited or received.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i)
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii)
become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or
such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \9\ and
subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder.\10\
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\9\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
\10\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at
least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed
rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission.
The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
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At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.
IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
Electronic Comments
<bullet> Use the Commission's internet comment form (<a href="http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml">http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml</a>); or
<bullet> Send an email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#483a3d242d652b2725252d263c3b083b2d2b662f273e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e193948d84cc828e8c8c848f9592a1928482cf868e97">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include
File Number SR-BX-2021-038 on the subject line.
Paper Comments
<bullet> Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities
and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090.
All submissions should refer to File Number SR-BX-2021-038. This file
number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help
the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently,
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on
the Commission's internet website (<a href="http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml">http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml</a>).
Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written
statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with
the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed
rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those
that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions
of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for website viewing and printing in
the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC
20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection
and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments
received will be posted without change. Persons submitting comments are
cautioned that we do not redact or edit personal identifying
information from comment submissions. You should submit only
information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions
should refer to File Number SR-BX-2021-038 and should be submitted on
or before October 12, 2021.
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\11\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\11\
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-20326 Filed 9-20-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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